Rail passengers heading west from Norwich this weekend should check their operator and route before travelling, with engineering work changing journeys on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October.

East Midlands Railway will run no trains between Peterborough and Norwich on either day. Direct replacement buses will link the two cities, and an amended train service will operate between Nottingham and Peterborough.

That does not mean all trains between Norwich and Ely are cancelled. Greater Anglia says trains will continue between Ely and Norwich, while buses replace its services between Peterborough or Cambridge and Ely.

Different operators, different journeys

For travellers using EMR’s route towards Nottingham or Liverpool, the Norwich–Peterborough leg will be by replacement bus. EMR says passengers for intermediate stations can use alternative services at no extra cost.

For a Greater Anglia journey towards Cambridge, the train-and-bus combination will depend on the itinerary. The published works notice lists buses between Cambridge and Ely, with trains continuing between Cambridge North and Stansted Airport.

The distinction is important when reading a broad notice about works around Ely: a direct replacement bus and an itinerary using an unaffected train are different journeys, with different connections.

Allow time for the change

Network Rail says the October programme includes maintenance and renewals, alongside station and platform work at Wymondham. The specific weekend closure is between Peterborough and Ely.

Replacement vehicles may be busier than usual. National Rail advises allowing extra time and checking station information or signage for the bus pick-up point.

Check National Rail’s weekend works details and plan the complete journey for the date you intend to travel. EMR’s operator notice also links its separate Saturday and Sunday timetables.

Anyone who needs assistance or intends to take a bicycle should check replacement-bus arrangements before setting out.